Elder Scrolls Online High Isle - Release date, story, gameplay, companions, more

The popular MMO RPG, Elder Scrolls Online, is all set to receive its new yearly expansion called High Isle. The High Isle is part of ESO's year-long Legacy of the Bretons storyline that kicked off earlier this year with the Ascending Tide update.

Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle expansion takes place in Systres Archipelago, a set of islands not explored or seen in past Elder Scrolls games. Aside from a brand new region to explore, players can expect a ton of new story and side quests, new companions, a new raid, a new card game, and more. With that said, here's everything players need to know about Eldern Scrolls Online: High Isle before it launches.

Elder Scrolls Online High Isle - story and setting

As mentioned before, The High Isle expansion brings players to uncharted territories. You will travel to High Isle, the largest island in Systres Archipelago, home to the Bretons.

High Isle is an exotic Mediterranian island wrapped in a politically dire situation. To make things worse, a shadowy cult called The Ascendant Order, led by the mysterious Ascendant Knight is looking to cause havoc in the entire Tamriel.

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The coastal outskirts of High Isle and the European architecture could remind players of Novigrad and Toussaint from The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt. It's a welcome change that should entice new players to ESO.

Elder Scrolls Online High Isle gameplay

The High Isle expansion adds a plethora of new quests, weapons, equipment, and other rewards. Players can expect a brand new trial, ESO's 12 players' high-level raid that offers some of the best loot in the game.

The High Isle update also adds two new Dungeons, ESO's four-player PvE mode that features some of the most difficult enemies and bosses in the game.

Similar to the previous ESO expansions, The High Isle expansion also adds a brand new world event called "Volcanic Vents." For those unaware, these are similar to Destiny's public events or Dragon Age Inquisition's fade rifts, where you fight a group of enemies in the world to disrupt a calamity.

Elder Scrolls Online High Isle companions

The Blackwood expansion added companions to ESO for the first time, giving solo players an extra advantage. The High Isle update is set to continue the tradition and would add two new companions to the game. They are Ember and Isobel.

Ember is a Khajit mage, whereas Isobel is a Breton warrior. To hire these companions, players have to complete their introductory quests. Once that happens, players can level up their skills, equip new gear, and more.

Every companion has a unique personality, and depending on the story choices, their behavior towards player characters would change. For instance, Isobel can turn up against the player character if their decisions don't positively affect the Bretons.

Elder Scrolls Online Card game

Following the tradition of card games in fantasy and post-apocalyptic games, Elder Scrolls Online is getting its own card game called Tales of Tribute with the High Isle update. 

Much like the Gwent in The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt or the Machine Strike in Horizon Forbidden West, Tales of Tribute is an optional mini-game that players can play against the game's various NPCs or other players.

The Tales of Tribute has its own questline that players can follow. Begin by talking to an NPC - Bragas, who would then guide players through the tutorial. Winning a match of Tales of Tribute will reward players with Coffers, which contain items like gold and crafting materials.

Elder Scrolls Online High Isle release date

Elder  Scrolls Online High Isle will release on 6th June 2022, for PC and Mac, whereas the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S versions of the game will release on 21st June 2022.

That's everything players need to know about before the Elder Scrolls Online High Isle expansion launches. Do check our dedicated Elder Scrolls Online section for more news, guides, and features on the High Isle expansion pack and future ESO-related content.

Featured image courtesy of Bethesda.